Director's Blog

In Memoriam: Dolores laGuardia

Thursday, Jul. 25, 2013

Dolores laGuardia, founder and Director of The HUB Writing Center and member of the Department of English since 1994, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2013, surrounded by her beloved family. Dolores taught in Moscow, Berlin, and Merhavia, Israel, as well as in the Bay Area.

As Director of The HUB Writing Center since its inception in 2008, she supervised the peer writing partners who worked with undergraduate students seeking writing assistance and trained undergraduates as “Hired Pens,” who provided editorial support to faculty, staff or departments.

She offered public speaking and business writing workshops for faculty, staff, and students in partnership with the Office of Human Resources. She also developed programs to assist Santa Clara's international and ESL students (both graduate and undergraduate) with academic success.

Dolores earned bachelor's and master's degrees from San Jose State University and did doctoral work at the University of San Francisco. Her publications focused on writing, tutoring, literature, and culture.

Dolores leaves behind her husband, David Palmer, of the Leavey School of Business, and her two sons, Dorian and Justin, and their families.

A memorial service (reception to follow) will be held on Monday, 9/30/13, at 5 p.m. in the Mission Church.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Dolores's memory may donate to the Dolores laGuardia Writing Prize by sending a contribution to: